Salvation Through Delusion C141

Chapter 141

A communication orb the size of a child’s head sat in silence. The darker its color, the better its performance — and the one Dr. Kim was staring at now was pitch black. That was why it could reach as far as the Acorn Forest. Yet it showed no reaction.

She wondered whether Black Bear had handled things properly. She wondered whether Rue had understood her letter and was now busy sweet-talking Tyroc.

But what she was most curious about was the relationship between those two.

Rue bragged endlessly about how capable he was, but it was obvious nonsense. She knew that kind of bluster — she had lived through it. Her nephew had boasted exactly the same way. Come to think of it… there were other similarities too.

Her nephew had hated being touched. From a young age, he recoiled from contact with anyone outside the family to a degree that bordered on obsessive cleanliness. It had even caused a serious fight at school once. She had scolded him, of course — but worry outweighed anger.

What if he ends up isolated?

The kid had sighed like an old man.

“Auntie, I’m popular. Seriously.”

Now his voice was faint, and his image lived only in her memory like an old photograph with fading resolution. Maybe it was the same kind of bravado, but sometimes Rue overlapped with that memory. Still… coincidence. They weren’t the same person.

Dr. Kim shook her head. Even if it weren’t coincidence, there was no way her nephew would throw himself into a suicidal mission like this just to see her. They hadn’t been that close.

They had lived under the same roof, but her mother had handled most of the childcare while she buried herself in work. She spent nights in the lab and returned home once or twice a week — little more than proof they were both alive.

She did take him to exhibitions and good restaurants on her days off. He never seemed especially pleased. Car rides were filled with her attempts at conversation and his one-word replies, leaving music to fill the emptiness.

After adolescence, he began managing household matters in place of her sick mother, and their conversations increased. At first she was proud. Later, his constant nagging drove her crazy. Still — that was the extent of it. They contacted each other only when necessary.

They were not what anyone would call emotionally close. There was no reason for him to risk his life to come to Tuvine for her. Ten years had passed — he might not even remember her.

And even if he did… he should be saving Earth with friends and loved ones at his side, not fighting here.

“Head of House, are you waiting for word from Black Bear?”

Solongo’s voice pulled Dr. Kim’s gaze away from the orb.

“Stopping a battle between Swordmasters isn’t easy.”

“She volunteered to do exactly that, didn’t she? Said she’d let Tyroc live — if it was for Rue.”

Dr. Kim let out a disbelieving chuckle, recalling Black Bear’s intensity.

“To worship Rue that much…”

“If Rue is truly a savior, anyone would become a devout follower.”

Solongo’s earnest tone made Dr. Kim frown slightly. She studied her for a moment, then shook her head.

“Even if he were the real savior, he’d deny it to the end. But if Rue truly is…”

She paused, then murmured,

“…he might actually build a place for himself here and live well.”

“And you, Head of House…”

“Didn’t you come to report something?”

Solongo swallowed her words and quickly delivered her news.

“The hunting tournament scheduled in a few days has been postponed. Traditionally, it begins with lighting the sacred brazier known as the Flame of Eternity, correct?”

“You tampered with it?”

“No.” Solongo smiled. “Only specific high-ranking priests who resonate with the brazier can ignite or extinguish it.”

She continued smoothly, clearly knowledgeable about temple affairs.

“A priest capable of handling the brazier was suddenly exposed for corruption. They now need to bring in a replacement — a priest named Sidro. Unfortunately, he’s stationed far away where no long-distance portal exists.”

Despite the serious matter, Solongo’s smile never faded. Dr. Kim smirked.

“It’s definitely postponed?”

“Yes. They’ll reschedule once the brazier is prepared. However…”

Solongo hesitated.

“What?”

“The temple has requested to use an Adeye portal to transport Sidro. They want us to handle all logistics.”

“The temple’s always looking to squeeze something out of someone.”

Even so, Solongo’s expression remained troubled.

“This time it’s excessive. They’re acting entitled…”

“They didn’t suspect we exposed that priest?”

“I doubt it,” Solongo said, steadying her voice. “We’ll remain cautious until the original date passes. Rue should be safe.”

“…Who?”

Tyroc’s voice cut in coldly as he stared at Black Bear. I glanced nervously at him and pointed to her.

“Ms. Kripe. I wandered into the forest by accident and, through sheer coincidence, met her.”

I watched her reaction as I introduced her — nothing. She stood calmly with her hands behind her back, as if observing distant scenery.

Just like I suspected — she and Dr. Kim must’ve coordinated beforehand. Though honestly, Dr. Kim could’ve explained it better. That cryptic note… good thing I’m sharp.

“You from House Sarne?”

Tyroc asked sharply. I whipped around, stunned. How did he figure that out instantly?

Black Bear’s eyes sharpened with killing intent at the name.

“Don’t tie me to that filthy name.”

“Kripe’s no cleaner to me.”

Her brow twitched — she still didn’t know the forest’s situation. I jumped in.

“She’s been cut off from the outside world for a long time…”

“Cut off? In the Acorn Forest?”

Tyroc sneered. Apparently, discovering the owner of the land he’d been searching for was living in his backyard didn’t sit well.

“No, I mean she only recently arrived…”

“Of course. Bayian’s pack is chasing her. Thanks to her, Sarne vermin entered Koon territory.”

Everything I said just made it worse. Did this guy eat twisted pastries for breakfast?

“Well… she has her reasons. Sarne targeted her first…”

“If she has a grudge against Sarne, she shouldn’t have interfered the day I fought Bayian.”

Tyroc leveled his sword, voice sharp.

“Why did you help me? What’s your objective?”

Before I could attempt another useless mediation, Black Bear spoke for the first time.

“I didn’t help you. I did it for the savior.”

My hand froze mid-motion. Tyroc turned slowly toward me, eyes cold — like I’d betrayed him.

“No. I never said I was a savior. She misunderstood because I can see her divine beast…”

“Misunderstood?”

“…It’s not a misunderstanding. I’m the savior.”

There it was — lying always came back to bite. I admitted it reluctantly. Black Bear’s eyes sparkled with renewed devotion. Tyroc looked deeply displeased.

“What divine beast? Don’t tell me Sarne’s beast chose her long ago.”

“Yes,” she replied. “That’s correct.”